Laser Hair Removal to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs
- 5 Steps [Easy]
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Across the UK
Award winning
Clinics Across the UK
9 Clinics
Across the UK
Over 1 million Treatments
delivered
Rated 92%
on Trustpilot
Expert Team of
professionals
Ingrown hairs can be frustrating, causing redness, bumps, and irritation that never disappear. Traditional hair treatment methods, such as shaving and waxing, often worsen the problem, leading to a cycle of discomfort and skin issues.
Yes, laser hair removal significantly reduces and prevents ingrown hairs by targeting hair follicles and inhibiting future growth. Minimizing hair regrowth prevents hairs from curling back into the skin, which is the leading cause of ingrown hairs. Over time, this leads to smoother skin with less irritation and inflammation.
In this blog, we’ll cover how laser hair removal prevents ingrown hairs, its benefits, effectiveness, side effects, and the importance of professional treatment.
Laser Hair Removal to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs: 6 Steps Six Steps & Effectiveness
Laser hair removal works by casting light energy engrossed by the pigment in hair follicles. This process weakens the follicle and inhibits future hair growth. Since laser treatment reduces hair growth at the root level, it significantly minimizes the chances of hair curving back into the skin and becoming ingrown.
Understanding the Root Cause of Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs develop when hair fails to grow outward properly, instead curling back into the skin. This issue is more common among people with curly or coarse hair and in areas that undergo frequent shaving or waxing. As a result, the skin may become inflamed, irritated, and even infected, causing discomfort and blemishes.
- Ingrown hairs happen when hair curls back into the skin rather than growing outward.
- They are more common in people with curly or coarse hair.
- Frequent shaving and waxing increase the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Symptoms include redness, inflammation, irritation, and sometimes infection.
How Laser Targets Hair Follicles?
Laser hair removal works by literally targeting the hair follicle, preventing future hair growth. The laser emits a potent beam of light that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, which causes heat and damages the follicle. Over time, this process weakens the follicle, leading to reduced hair regrowth and fewer ingrown hairs.
- The laser emits a full beam of light that penetrates the skin.
- The pigment (melanin) in the hair soaks the light, which heats and damages the follicle.
- This weakens the follicle over time, reducing hair regrowth and preventing ingrown hairs.
Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
Proper preparation is necessary for safe and effective laser treatment. Shaving the area beforehand prevents surface burns while avoiding sun exposure and certain skincare products helps minimize skin sensitivity. A consultation ensures the laser settings are customized for your skin and hair type.
- Shaving: Shave 24 hours before treatment to prevent burns from surface hair.
- Avoiding Sun Exposure: Protect treated areas from sun exposure before and after sessions.
- Skincare Precautions: Refrain from using harsh skincare products that can irritate the skin before treatment.
- Consultation: A professional will assess skin and hair types to determine optimal laser settings.
Laser Treatment Process
During the laser treatment, a handheld device is applied to the skin, delivering precise pulses of light to target hair follicles. While some discomfort may occur, it is often described as a mild stinging sensation similar to a rubber band snap.
- A handheld laser device delivers precise light pulses on the skin.
- Some clients experience a slight stinging sensation, similar to a rubber band snap.
- The session duration depends on the treatment area, ranging from a few minutes to an hour.
Shedding of Treated Hair and Ingrown Hairs
Following laser treatment, the hair in the targeted follicles begins to fall out naturally. Over the next few weeks, ingrown hairs also surface and shed, leading to smoother skin and reduced irritation. This process improves skin texture while minimizing redness and bumps.
- Hair treated by the laser will shed over the next 1-3 weeks.
- Ingrown hairs begin to surface and naturally fall out.
- Skin texture improves, reducing bumps, irritation, and discoloration.
Multiple Sessions for Best Results
Laser hair removal is most effective in multiple sessions, as hair develops in cycles. By targeting hair in the active development phase, the treatment yields significant hair reduction over time. The number of sessions required varies depending on hair type, skin tone, and treatment area.
- Hair grows in cycles, and laser therapy is most useful during the active growth phase.
- Sessions Required: 6-8 sessions are typically required for significant hair and ingrown hair reduction.
- Results Vary: Effectiveness depends on hair type, skin tone, and the treatment area.
Effectiveness of Laser Hair Removal for Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs can be a persistent and frustrating issue, often leading to discomfort, irritation, and unsightly bumps. While various treatments exist, laser hair removal has emerged as a promising solution for effectively addressing this problem.
Short-Term Relief
Laser hair removal provides immediate relief by targeting the active follicles responsible for existing ingrown hairs. After just a few treatments, skin irritation and redness begin to subside, promoting a healthier skin appearance.
- Laser hair removal reduces existing ingrown hairs by targeting active follicles.
- Skin irritation and redness improve after the first few treatments.
Long-Term Solution
Laser treatment significantly reduces the recurrence of ingrown hairs by preventing hair regrowth. Over time, hair returns finer and lighter, decreasing the risk of ingrown hairs forming.
- Prevents hair regrowth, leading to fewer ingrown hairs over time.
- Hair grows back finer and lighter, reducing the chance of new ingrown hairs forming.
Skin Benefits
In addition to preventing ingrown hairs, laser hair removal improves skin texture. It reduces inflammation, dark spots, and bumps, resulting in smoother and clearer skin.
- Reduces inflammation, dark spots, and bumps caused by ingrown hairs.
- Promotes smoother and more even-toned skin over time.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is highly useful for preventing and reducing ingrown hairs. Its ability to target hair follicles directly leads to smoother skin, fewer irritations, and a lower risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring.
However, personal results may vary depending on skin and hair type. Consulting with a professional can help determine whether laser hair removal is most suitable for your needs. Laser hair removal may be worth thinking about if you struggle with persistent ingrown hairs and are looking for a long-term solution.
- You may experience slight redness and swelling, which should resolve within 24 hours.
- Mineral make-up can be worn post 24 hours
- Avoid heat, saunas, hot tubs and sweaty activity for 24 hours; this includes the exercise of any kind.
- Avoid products containing exfoliating agents (retinoic acid, retinol, tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl
- peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, astringents, etc.)
- Avoid any exfoliation treatments for 2 weeks
- The skin may peel slightly- this is normal and will resolve within 48-72 hours
- Avoid direct sunlight or sunbeds for 72 hours
- You may resume your regular skincare routine 48-72hours after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
At-home laser hair treatment devices utilize Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology to reduce hair growth by targeting hair follicles. While these devices can be effective, their results may not be as significant as professional treatments.
Common side effects include redness, swelling, and itching, which usually go away in a few hours or days. More serious issues like skin darkening, burns, or scars are rare but can happen if the treatment is not done correctly.
You need multiple laser sessions because hair grows in different stages, and the laser works only on actively growing hair. Most people need at least eight treatments, spaced 3 to 7 weeks apart, depending on the area and hair type. Staying consistent is essential, and some may need touch-up sessions later.
Laser hair treatment works best for people with light skin and dark hair because the laser picks up the hair’s pigment. New technology now makes it safer for more skin tones. A professional can help choose the right laser settings to avoid risks like burns or skin darkening.
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